Klappentext

Product development and ramp-up is a well-researched challenge for industry. However, how to end the production of a product is a blind spot for industry and science although practitioners are calling for scientific support. This book sheds light on the topic of production phase-out by offering measures that can turn a process that is perceived as uninspiring to a success pillar for companies. The book reveals cross-industry insights on the relatively new topic of phase-out. The interview findings are mirrored with the Phase-Out Process Model, which describes activities and tasks to be performed during a phase-out. As an instrument to support the implementation of the process model, the Phase-Out Production Planning and Control was developed as an add-on to standard production IT support. It enables companies to better forecast spare parts needs and expected remaining stock costs at the proposed end of production. Through a qualitative and a conceptual research phase, the findings of this dissertation show that there is a high potential of improving phase-out in the industry. This manuscript provides theoretical and managerial implications to pave the way towards enhancing phase-outs. This potential can be raised by implementing the proposed formalization structures and mathematical models based on empirical and conceptual research. This book, therefore, helps to promote the effective implementation of a formalized phase-out in company s management practice to make their business more efficient.

Inhalt

1. Introduction 1.1. Problem Description and Motivation 1.2. Objectives and Research Questions 1.3. Structure and Outline of Thesis 2. Product Elimination and Phase-Out 2.1. Product Elimination Decision-Making 2.2. Phasing-out Products 2.3. Phase-out Consequences 2.4. Summary 3. Current State of Phase-Out in Industry 3.1. Explorative Empirical Analysis 3.2. Data Analysis and Results 3.3. Discussion 3.4. Implications of the Qualitative Findings 4. Phase-Out Production Planning and Control 4.1. Specific Phase-Out Objectives 4.2. Production Planning 4.3. Production Control 4.4. Phase-Out Lead Time 4.5. Remarks for Phase-Out Production and Control Implementation 4.6. Implications of the Conceptual Findings 5. Empirical Evaluation as Pilot Application 5.1. Excel Demonstrator 5.2. Pilot Application 5.3. Implications of the Evaluation Findings 6. Summary and Outlook